James Wiseman, who’s been sidelined since last April after tearing his right meniscus, participated in his first contact work on Tuesday in Salt Lake City.
Reporters with the team in Utah witnessed the milestone, which Wiseman has been building up to for months.
Wiseman got knee surgery in April. He was initially expected to return six months later for the start of the season, but hadn’t yet been cleared for contact. In December, the now-infamous “ramp up” had Wiseman close to a return, but persistent swelling in his knee required him to get another minor procedure.
Now, 10 months later, Wiseman is inching closer to NBA action. The Warriors have internally expected him — and Draymond Green (back) — to return before the playoffs, which general manager Bob Myers said is a major factor in how Golden State approaches the trade deadline.
The Athletic’s Anthony Slater captured some of Wiseman’s 3-on-3 work from the Jazz’s facility.
The 20-year-old forward averaged 11.5 points and 5.8 rebounds in 39 games as a rookie. He adds another vertical threat and inside presence to the Warriors, who have been recently experimenting with Jonathan Kuminga as a backup center.
In an interview with ESPN’s Kendra Andrews, Stephen Curry said Wiseman “has an amazing opportunity” to join the Warriors as they gear up for a playoff run.
“It’s big for him, individually, just to get closer to playing,” Curry told Andrews on Tuesday. “And once he does start playing, hopefully he can stay in the rotation, stay off the injury list and get reps. He’s young, he has a lot to learn. But you can only learn by doing it and getting out there. Understanding what NBA basketball is like. He deserves an opportunity with everything he’s been through already in such a short period.